Startup Visa Netherlands 2026: Complete Guide for Entrepreneurs

The startup visa exists for a non-EU national with an innovative idea and the drive to build something in the Netherlands. But most people have never heard of it, or assume it is reserved for tech billionaires or companies already generating revenue. It is not.

This guide explains how the Dutch startup visa works in 2026 — who qualifies, how to find a facilitator, what the application looks like, what it costs, and what your life looks like after the first year.

💡 Related: ZZP registration Netherlands step by step, highly-skilled migrant visa Netherlands, BSN application guide for expats.

Quick answer: The Netherlands startup visa is a 1-year residence permit for non-EU entrepreneurs building innovative businesses in the Netherlands. You need an RVO-approved facilitator, an innovative business plan, and approximately €14,000–€15,000 in personal savings. The IND fee is €423 in 2026. After one year, you typically convert to a self-employed or highly-skilled migrant permit. A BV company is registered at KvK after arrival, not before.

What the Startup Visa Actually Is

The startup visa — formally the verblijfsvergunning voor startende ondernemers — is a 1-year residence permit issued by the IND to non-EU/EEA entrepreneurs who want to build an innovative company in the Netherlands. It is not a general self-employment visa. It is not a business investor visa. It is specifically for people building something new.

The program is run in partnership between the IND and the RVO (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland — Netherlands Enterprise Agency). RVO maintains a list of approved facilitators — incubators, accelerators, investment funds, and business development organisations that assess applicants and provide ongoing coaching. Without an approved facilitator, the visa does not exist.

Who it is for

• Non-EU/EEA nationals (EU citizens have the right to work and start businesses freely in the Netherlands)
• Founders at an early stage — pre-revenue or early revenue
• People with a business concept that is genuinely innovative for the Dutch market
• People who can demonstrate approximately €14,000–€15,000 in personal savings to support themselves during year one

Who it is not for

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (you already have the right to start a business)
• People running standard service businesses (consulting, translation, design agencies — these may qualify for the self-employed permit instead)
• Businesses that already exist in the same form in the Dutch market and are not innovating
• People who need to generate significant personal income immediately (the startup year is a development period, not a revenue guarantee)

The Facilitator: Why This Person Is Everything

The entire startup visa system runs through the facilitator. Understanding this role is the most important thing you will read in this guide.

What a facilitator does

A facilitator is an RVO-approved organisation that:

1. Assesses your business plan against the IND’s innovation criteria. They certify to the IND that your plan is credible, innovative, and executable.
2. Coaches and supervises you during your permit year. The IND expects you to have active engagement with your facilitator — not just a rubber stamp but a genuine working relationship.
3. Verifies your progress at the end of the year, which influences your ability to convert to a self-employed or other residence permit.

Without a facilitator’s signature on your IND application, the application is invalid. This is not a formality you handle after approval — the facilitator is part of the application itself.

Where to find facilitators

RVO maintains the official list at kvk.nl and via the RVO startup visa page. At any given time there are roughly 30–60 approved facilitators in the Netherlands. They include:

• University incubators (YES!Delft, Utrecht Innovation Lab, Eindhoven startup ecosystem)
• Private accelerators focused on specific sectors (fintech, healthtech, agritech, deeptech)
• Regional development agencies (in Noord-Holland, South Holland, Eindhoven region)
• Investment funds that act as facilitators for portfolio-adjacent startups
• Consultancy firms accredited by RVO

What facilitators charge

This is where real-world expectations diverge from brochure descriptions. Facilitator costs range widely:

Fee-based models: €5,000–€15,000 for a year of coaching. You pay upfront or in quarterly instalments. This covers mentoring sessions, introductions to networks, and their administrative role in your IND application.

Equity-based models: Some facilitators, particularly accelerators, take 2–8% equity in your company instead of cash. If you believe your company will be valuable, this is expensive in the long run. If you are cash-constrained, it is a reasonable trade.

Mixed models: A smaller cash fee (€2,000–€5,000) plus a smaller equity stake (1–3%).

There is no regulated price. Research multiple facilitators. Ask specifically what you get for the money — regular check-ins, introductions, co-working space access, event access, legal referrals — and compare the actual content of the coaching against the cost.

A facilitator who is actively engaged will write you a stronger endorsement when you apply for your self-employed permit. A facilitator who took your money and sent you three emails over 12 months will not.

The Innovation Requirement: What the IND Actually Looks For

The word “innovative” appears everywhere in the startup visa literature, but the IND does not define it in a single precise way. What they are looking for, based on how facilitators describe the assessment process, is:

New to the Dutch market. Your product, service, or process must not already exist in the Netherlands in the same form. Global existence is less relevant — if it does not yet exist here, it can qualify.

Tangible differentiation. Why is this better, different, or solving a problem that existing solutions do not solve? The differentiation must be real, not marketing language.

Executable plan. You need a business plan that a reasonable person could actually implement. Market size, competition analysis, revenue model, go-to-market strategy, team or planned hires.

Endorsement by the facilitator. The facilitator’s written declaration to the IND is the actual innovation gate. If an approved facilitator says your idea is innovative and executable, the IND almost always accepts that assessment. The IND is not a startup investor — they are relying on the facilitator’s judgment.

What does not qualify

Things that have qualified in recent years: a logistics software platform using AI to optimise last-mile delivery in the Netherlands; a medical device for remote patient monitoring not yet available in Dutch hospitals; a sustainable packaging company using a new material process; a B2B SaaS tool for Dutch HR compliance not currently available.

If you are uncertain, the best test is: can a facilitator on the RVO list endorse it? Have that conversation before you spend time on the full application.

Step-by-Step: The Application Process

Step 1: Approach facilitators — before anything else

Send your business plan summary (1–2 pages) to 3–5 facilitators whose sector focus matches your idea. Many facilitators have a simple intake form on their website. The conversation at this stage is: does your concept qualify for the startup visa, and is this facilitator the right fit for your company?

Expect 2–4 weeks to get meaningful responses and have initial calls.

Step 2: Agree terms with your chosen facilitator

Once a facilitator confirms they will work with you, negotiate the terms: fee structure, coaching format, frequency of meetings, what they provide in terms of network access and introductions, and the exit process at year end.

Get the terms in writing. An oral agreement is not sufficient — you will reference this document when converting your permit later.

Step 3: Build your business plan dossier

Your IND application includes a business plan, but this is not a standard business plan. It needs to address:

• The innovation: what is new about this for the Dutch market
• Market analysis: size, existing competitors, why they do not already solve this problem
• Revenue model: how you will make money
• 1-year milestones: what will you have achieved by month 12
• Team: your background, any co-founders, any planned hires
• Financial projections: 3-year revenue and cost model (realistic, not aspirational)

The facilitator will help you shape this. Their involvement in the plan is part of what gives it credibility with the IND.

Step 4: Demonstrate sufficient personal funds

The IND requires you to demonstrate approximately €14,000–€15,000 in personal savings or other guaranteed income sufficient to support yourself for the year without relying on Dutch social services. In practice this means a bank statement (certified, with an official bank stamp or equivalent) showing this balance.

The money does not need to be in a Dutch account — a foreign bank statement with an apostille-equivalent is acceptable. But the amount must be unambiguous: clear balance, clear ownership, dated within 3 months of submission.

Step 5: Submit the IND application

Applications are submitted online via the IND portal. You will need:

• Completed application form
• Valid passport (minimum 1 year validity beyond your intended stay)
• Business plan dossier
• Facilitator declaration (the signed certification from your RVO-approved facilitator)
• Proof of sufficient personal funds
• Any existing company registration documents (if you already have a company abroad)

The IND fee for a first start-up application in 2026 is €423 (ind.nl, checked 28 September 2026). Pay this at submission.

Step 6: IND processing

The IND statutory processing time is 90 days. In practice many applications resolve within 6–10 weeks if the file is complete. If the IND has questions they contact you via the portal — respond quickly. Slow responses extend your timeline.

If you are approved, the IND notifies you and — if you are outside the Netherlands — arranges an MVV sticker at the nearest Dutch embassy or consulate if needed. If you are already in the Netherlands on another permit (student, orientation year, etc.), the permit can be converted in-country.

After Arrival: Setting Up Your Dutch Company

Registering the BV at KvK

After you arrive and register at the municipality for your BSN, register your BV at the KvK. A BV (besloten vennootschap, private limited company) requires:

1. A notary deed (akte van oprichting). A Dutch civil-law notary (notaris) drafts the articles of association and registers the company with the KvK. Cost: €500–€1,500 depending on the notary and complexity.
2. A Dutch bank account in the company name before the deed is signed — the notary typically requires this.
3. A registered Dutch business address. Your home address is acceptable if your rental contract allows business registration. Otherwise use a registered address service (€30–€100/month).

The KvK registration itself costs €85.15 (2026) and is completed at a KvK office appointment.

For help finding an English-speaking notary, see best English-speaking notaris Netherlands.

Opening a Business Bank Account

You need a Dutch business bank account to operate your BV. This is not optional — the notary needs it, your clients need to pay somewhere, and the Belastingdienst will expect a clearly business-separated account.

Bunq is a practical banking option for startup visa holders. The Bunq business account opens online without a branch visit, works across the Netherlands and EU, and the app-based interface is straightforward for non-Dutch speakers. The process is faster than traditional banks like ABN AMRO or ING, which can take 4–6 weeks for business account approval — time you cannot always afford when you need to start operating.

Traditional Dutch banks offer more complex products (credit lines, merchant accounts) but their setup timelines are slow and their customer service for international founders varies. Most startup visa holders open Bunq first to get operational, then add a traditional bank if their business requires it later.

For accounting software once your company is running, Moneybird is a Dutch-built platform widely used by small BVs and ZZP operators — it integrates well with Dutch tax filings and is available in English.

Your BSN and Registration

Registering at the gemeente (gemeentehuis) triggers your Burgerservicenummer (BSN). Without a BSN you cannot be properly identified in Dutch administrative systems, and banks need it soon after opening (ABN AMRO within 120 days, ING within 90 days for non-EEA passport holders). Complete this registration within 5 days of arrival. For the full steps, see the BSN application guide.

Startup Visa vs Self-Employed Visa: The Key Difference

People sometimes ask whether they should apply for the startup visa or the self-employed residence permit. They are genuinely different instruments for different situations.

The startup visa is for building an innovative scalable company. It lasts one year, requires a facilitator, and does not immediately require revenue. It is the right choice if you are at idea/early stage and your concept passes the innovation test.

The self-employed permit (for ZZP or eenmanszaak operators) requires you to demonstrate business viability through a points-based assessment run by the RVO. Points are awarded based on your education, entrepreneurial experience, and business plan credibility — plus proof of income or client contracts. It is better suited to experienced freelancers and consultants with existing client relationships.

The startup visa beats the self-employed permit when:

• Your concept is novel and the innovation criteria helps you
• You are early-stage with no revenue yet (harder to score points for self-employed)
• You benefit from the facilitator network and coaching
• You have the savings to support the development year

The self-employed permit beats the startup visa when:

• You are a freelancer or consultant with existing clients
• Your work does not meet the innovation threshold
• You want a 3-year permit duration rather than 1 year
• You prefer to operate as ZZP rather than build a BV

For a deeper dive into the ZZP path, see ZZP registration Netherlands step by step and tax filing for freelance expats Netherlands.

The Highly-Skilled Migrant Alternative

If you have a job offer from a Dutch company recognised as an IND sponsor — including your own BV, once it is established — the highly-skilled migrant (HSM) route may be available. The HSM permit requires the company to pay you at least the IND salary criterion (€5,942 gross/month excluding holiday allowance for workers aged 30 or over in 2026, €4,357 under 30), making it unsuitable at founding stage when you may not be generating revenue yet.

However, once your startup is generating revenue and you can pay yourself the HSM minimum salary, converting to an HSM permit gives you a 3-year permit, more stability, and easier renewal. Many startup visa alumni make this switch in year two. See the full highly-skilled migrant visa Netherlands guide for the complete requirements.

The orientation year visa Netherlands is another adjacent route worth knowing — designed for recent Dutch university graduates and international graduates who want a year to explore entrepreneurship or employment options.

Year One: What to Actually Focus On

The startup visa year is simultaneously your development runway and your audition for the permits that follow. Treat both seriously.

Build something demonstrable

By month 12, you should have something the IND and your facilitator can point to: a registered BV, at least early product development, preferably first customer conversations or pilots, and ideally initial revenue even if small. “We had a lot of meetings” is not a compelling year-end report.

Maintain your facilitator relationship

Monthly or quarterly check-ins are typical. Show up, prepare updates, take the feedback seriously. The facilitator’s year-end endorsement is one of the key inputs to your self-employed permit conversion assessment.

Track your finances carefully

You are operating a Dutch BV. This means quarterly BTW (VAT) returns, annual vennootschapsbelasting (corporate income tax) filings, and if you pay yourself a salary, payroll administration. Use accounting software from month one — do not leave this until year end. For complex accounting needs or if Dutch corporate tax is unfamiliar territory, an English-speaking accountant can save you significant time and money. See best English-speaking accountant Netherlands.

Build your network

The Netherlands has a genuinely supportive startup ecosystem, particularly in Amsterdam (Startup Amsterdam), Eindhoven (Brainport), and Delft (YES!Delft). Your facilitator should be opening doors here. If they are not, ask explicitly. The relationships you build in year one are often worth more than the funding or revenue you generate — they are what enable year two.

Converting to a Self-Employed Permit After Year One

At the end of your startup visa year, the most common next step is converting to a verblijfsvergunning voor zelfstandigen (self-employed residence permit). This is assessed by the RVO using a points-based system with a minimum score required for approval.

Points categories include:

• Personal experience (education, entrepreneurial history, sector expertise)
• Business plan (market size, competitive advantage, revenue model)
• Value to the Dutch economy (innovation contribution, job creation potential)

Your year-one progress report from the facilitator feeds directly into the business plan assessment. A strong first year significantly improves your conversion chances.

Costs: The Full Picture

The personal savings requirement of €14,000–€15,000 is specifically to demonstrate you can cover living costs. Your actual total cash requirement for a comfortable first year is closer to €25,000–€35,000 when you include both living costs and setup costs.

Timeline: From Application to Trading

Build this timeline backwards from when you want to be operational in the Netherlands. If you want to be open for business in January, start the facilitator search in July.

The Netherlands as a Startup Location

It is worth being direct about why the Netherlands makes sense as a location, beyond the visa mechanism.

The Netherlands has a corporate tax rate of 19% on the first €200,000 of profit (2026 rate) and 25.8% above that — competitive within Europe. The innovation box regime (Innovatiebox) reduces effective tax to 9% on profits derived from qualifying IP, which is highly relevant for tech startups.

English is spoken at a functionally native level across the business community — you will almost never need Dutch for professional conversations. The country has strong banking infrastructure, a well-developed venture capital ecosystem (particularly in Amsterdam and Eindhoven), and road and rail connections that put you within easy reach of London, Berlin, Paris, and Brussels.

The Brainport region around Eindhoven is one of Europe’s highest-density technology clusters. Amsterdam has a mature fintech and startup scene. Rotterdam is increasingly active in logistics tech and sustainability startups. Delft, via YES!Delft, has strong hardware and deeptech credibility.

For the practical settlement side — finding housing, getting your BSN, understanding Dutch life before you build it — see the first year in the Netherlands expat guide and the complete moving checklist Netherlands 2027.

The Official Sources

The startup visa is documented on two official sites:

• IND startup visa page (ind.nl/en/startup) — the permit conditions, fees, and application process
• KvK (kvk.nl) — company registration, BV formation, and the official facilitator list via the RVO link

Both pages are updated regularly and should be your primary reference. Fees change annually; confirm the current IND fee before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for the Netherlands startup visa?

Non-EU/EEA nationals who want to build an innovative business in the Netherlands. You need an RVO-approved facilitator, an innovative business plan, and approximately €14,000–€15,000 in personal savings. The visa is not for standard freelancers or service businesses — innovation must be demonstrable and certified by your facilitator.

How much does a Netherlands startup visa cost?

The IND fee is €423 in 2026. Facilitator costs add €5,000–€15,000 (or equity). BV registration via a notary is €500–€1,500. Business bank account and accounting software add a few hundred euros per year. Total first-year setup cash: roughly €7,000–€18,000 before living costs.

What counts as innovative for the startup visa?

A new product, service, or process that does not currently exist in the Dutch market in that form. Innovation can be technological, commercial, or process-based. Standard consultancies, agencies, and retail businesses do not qualify. The facilitator certifies the innovation to the IND — their assessment is the practical gate.

What is a facilitator?

An RVO-approved organisation (incubator, accelerator, investment fund, or business development body) that assesses your business plan, certifies it to the IND, and coaches you during your permit year. Without an approved facilitator, the startup visa application is invalid.

What happens after the startup visa year ends?

Most founders convert to a self-employed residence permit via a points-based RVO assessment, or to a highly-skilled migrant permit if their company can pay the required minimum salary. A strong first year — registered BV, early revenue or pilots, active facilitator relationship — significantly improves conversion chances.

Do I need a BV for the startup visa?

Not at application stage. The BV is registered after you arrive in the Netherlands. You apply with a business plan and facilitator endorsement. Most investors and facilitators expect a BV for scalable businesses, so in practice most startup visa holders register a BV within the first month of arrival.

Closing: Is the Startup Visa Right for You?

The startup visa is a genuine opportunity, not a rubber stamp. It requires real innovation, a real facilitator relationship, and a real willingness to spend a year building something rather than drawing a comfortable salary. If you are looking for an easy way into the Netherlands, it is not the right route.

But if you have an idea that is genuinely new to the Dutch market, the runway to develop it, and the resilience to navigate a year of building from scratch in a new country — the startup visa is one of the most direct paths to building a European company with full legal residency.

Open your business account early. Bunq is the fastest way to get a Dutch business account operational without branch visits — which matters when your facilitator wants to see a bank account in the company name before anything else can proceed.

Find your facilitator before you touch the IND application. The facilitator choice shapes everything: the quality of your coaching, the strength of your endorsement, and the credibility of your year-end conversion application.

For parallel reading: ZZP registration guide if the self-employed route appeals, highly-skilled migrant visa Netherlands if you plan to convert at year two, and best banking for expats Netherlands for the full picture of personal and business banking options.

Good luck. The Netherlands is a good place to build.